CFI: THE ACC REPORT

BY CHRISTOPHER J. KRESGE
ACC COASTAL INSIDER

MIAMI 37 FLORIDA STATE 29
Not since 1977 has this game been played where both teams were NOT ranked in the top 25. And to make matters worse, South Florida was ranked number two heading into the week. College football is definitely in a state of change needless to say. Ugly Betty could best describe this game. Five combined interceptions and it wasn’t because the defenses were playing at such a high level -- both quarterbacks were just really bad. As a side note -- Xavier Lee might have the legs of Michael Vick, but has the arm and quarterback sense of someone not worthy of a starting position. Lee was literally skipping passes to his receivers on ten yard out patterns. Jimbo Fisher almost had a cardiac arrest on some plays wishing he still had JaMarcus Russell. Bobby Bowden might start reconsidering how much longer he can go at it in an increasingly improving ACC. For The Canes, it was a lot of the same, running hard with Graig Cooper and Javarris James, inconsistent quarterback play and a high-octane effort on defense. Game ball goes to backup quarterback Kirby Freeman after standing tall in the pocket and delivering the winning touchdown throw to the corner of the end zone. Both teams are mediocre but it will be interesting to see how they end the season.
NEXT WEEK: November 3 MIAMI vs. NC STATE

VIRGINIA 18 MARYLAND 17
Virginia is in first place? Mikkel Simpson had 271 all-purpose yards against Maryland and two touchdowns? Al Groh has not been fired yet? Yes, yes and yes. Again, it is one of those college football seasons. Oh, I also forgot to add that quarterback Jameel Sewell threw NO interceptions. Simpson was listed on the depth chart as a backup tight end, now he can be listed as superman after last Saturday's performance. Simpson was thrown into duty due to injuries and I do not think he is ready to go back to the bench anytime soon. Virginia's defense played well against the run all day, which is Maryland's strong point. Also what was impressive was Virginia's no quit attitude. Down three at half, they came out in the second half and laid the wood. Virginia vs. Boston College in the ACC Championship game? As Lee Corso says, "Not so fast my friend!" There is whole lot of games to be played. Stay tuned...........
NEXT WEEK: Virginia vs. NC STATE

GEORGIA TECH 34 – ARMY 10
If you missed this game, don’t worry, you didn’t miss much. A lot of the same from Georgia Tech -- a very conservative offense, a young quarterback that only throws out patterns and a solid, well-disciplined defense. The biggest news out of this game was the knee injury sustained by running back Tashard Choice. He opted for knee surgery this week but no substantial damage was done to his ligaments and he could be back for the Virginia Tech game on November 1. Overall, Georgia Tech is a well-coached team but they do not have the playmakers to make a push to the ACC Championship game. I am predicting they will play the spoiler role towards the end of the season if teams do not take them seriously.
NEXT WEEK: November 1 Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech

PHOTO CREDIT: University of Miami Sports Media Relations Office